Weekend Adventure: Southend On Sea Fun Plan
Experience the seaside charm of Southend on Sea, UK!
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
As a tourist, Southend on Sea offers a fantastic seaside getaway with its long sandy beaches, amusement park rides, and water sports activities. Visitors can stroll along the famous Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world, or take a bike ride through the Southend Cliff Gardens. The town also has a rich history to explore, with cultural events throughout the year, including the annual Airshow, Fireworks on the Prom, and the Southend Festival.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the luxurious three-star Skylark Hotel, right on the seafront with lovely views.
- Head to Adventure Island for some pulse-pounding thrills on their many rides and attractions.
- Tuck into a seafood lunch at the Westcliff Beach Cafe, with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.
- Take a stroll along Southend Pier, one of the longest pleasure piers in the world, and snap some scenic photos.
- Treat yourself to an ice cream cone from Rossi's, a local institution that's been serving up creamy goodness since 1932.
- Catch a spectacular sunset at Jubilee Beach, one of Southend's quieter strips of sand.
- Start your day with an English breakfast at The Oaktree Restaurant, a cosy spot with plenty of character.
- Check out the collections at the Beecroft Art Gallery, which has an impressive selection of local artists and exhibitions.
- Take a guided tour of Prittlewell Priory, a stunning medieval building with a fascinating history.
- Satisfy your taste buds with some tapas at La Pizzeria, which offers both Spanish and Italian cuisine.
- End your day at the Cliffs Pavilion, a grand theatre that showcases the best in music, comedy and theatre.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Southend on Sea by plane is to fly to London Southend Airport which is approximately 3 miles from the town centre. From the airport, you can catch a bus or train to Southend High Street.
Car
The most convenient route to Southend on Sea by car is to take the A127 from London or the M25 motorway. Parking is available in various locations around the town.
Train
Southend on Sea can be easily accessed by train via Southend Central or Southend East stations. Both these stations are connected to London Liverpool Street Station via c2c trains.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Southend on Sea. However, you can take a ferry from nearby Gravesend to Tilbury and then travel by train to Southend Central or Southend East station.
Bus
National Express coaches run frequent services to Southend on Sea from London Victoria Coach Station, Stansted Airport and Heathrow Airport. The coach station is located in the town centre near the train stations and the seafront.